1 Inch bench sander

[Mark at Bad Medicine Game Calls]

So I'm trying to figure out what a good model is and would like your opinions on which 1 inch belt sander to get.  I saw one on Grizzly's site and on Harbor Freight's site.  Where else should I be looking and which ones should I be staying away from?  I'll be using it mostly to sharpen my tools and shape toneboards  Thanks in advance for the help!!

[JThomas]

I use a Delta 1x42 and it has preformed well Lowes..

Jt

[Aaron at Wingerts Woodworks]

Personally I'd avoid any power tools from Harbor Freight.  They're of poor quality almost across the board.  A Griz might cost more than a Harbor Freight model but they'll stand behind it.  I've eyed the Delta model at Lowes for a long time and it looks to be a pretty decent machine.  Gotta admit that one of those little 1" belt sanders would be mighty handy for a number of tasks.

[BigB]

I've got a 1" Delta belt sander.  I can't find a picture of it online, but it does look a lot like this Grizzly:




I wouldn't use it for tool sharpening, unless you have a really fine grit belt on it.  I've got 120 grit on mine, and it will eat metal in no time flat. 


I also wouldn't use a belt sander for doing duck toneboards.  I use it for predator toneboards, as I free hand my toneboards to get the arc that I desire.  The belt sander will also eat tonebooard jig steel, even if it is hardened steel.


Brian

[Mark at Bad Medicine Game Calls]

Thanks for the insight guys!  Jthomas thanks for the tip.  KC I've really been eyeballing that Grizzly model and unless I can find a better deal at the local Lowes or Home Cheapot I probably end up getting it.    BigB I plan I buying a flat jig from Wade I'll cut the flat out on my scroll saw then free hand my toneboards until I get one that sounds the way I want it to.  Files can be used on the jig right?  I guess I'll just keep using my grinder to sharpen tools.  and hone them like I have been.  Thanks again for the advice!!

[dogcatcher]

I use one that has no brand name on  it, it is about 30 years old and safety hazard that has no guards on it, open wheels, I can change out belts in less than a minute.  I keep 320, 120 and 80 belts in stock, I use the 320 belts to sharpen my skews, takes a few seconds and beats the Wolverine system.  I use the 120 and 80 grit belts to remove stock from both wood and metal.  The 80 grit will eat 1080 steel almost like a piece of balsa. 

Marvin

[Aaron at Wingerts Woodworks]

Regarding your question regarding filing on the jig....My experience has been that after a long time the jig will show minimal wear from filing, but it is harder than the files are. 

[Lonehowl]

I have 3..the little Harbor Freight model, the Delta and one I bought a frame for and bought a motor seperatly.
The Delta is pretty good for all kinds of stuff, and has a side disc sander, really useful. The Harbor freight sander is ok, but not as good. I use the Delta way more.

The one I put together, I made pretty much for making (predator call) toneboards. I installed a 1750 rpm motor on it. WAY better than the 3450 or so little motors on the other two, they are just way to fast. You have more control and get a better finish on stuff with the slower motor. And be  aware a belt sander, even a small one can ruin stuff in a hurry, especially something like a toneboard. And like stated above, will eat up a hardened jig.

 Its a 1x42 belt size, and you can get all kinds of grits in that size belt. I use www.truegrit.com. I bought the frame at Lee Tools and the motor from Grainger and a light switch from Lowes. Very easy to build. Small but handy sander.

I use it to sharpen tools as well, with a 320 grit J weight belt. Very effective.
Also, the platen is thicker than the other two, more solid and less flex, and really helps out.

Not a very good pic of it, but happened to have it handy..
Mark

[dogcatcher]

I looked at the Lee Valley stripped down sander, mine is the same frame, I have had it about 30 years.  I just ordered another to make one that will use a slower RPM motor.  Thanks Mark, I have been looking for another one of that model for years.

Marvin

[Lonehowl]

Cool Marvin, yeah I mistyped above, should have been Lee Valley Tools. They have a lot of good stuff.
Mark

[Mark at Bad Medicine Game Calls]

Mark that is exactly the kind of information I have been looking for!! I guess I'll be doing a little searching and probably making my own.  Thanks again for all the advice everybody!!

[Lonehowl]

Good deal...I also need to correct the motor speed in my post..it is 1725, not 1750.
Couple more pics. Motor and side view.

[dogcatcher]

With shipping and no motor the damages were right at $90, and they are out of stock until September, 10th.  I have a motor with th 48 frame, 1725 RPM so I should have be in good shape. 

Marvin

[Lonehowl]

Id like to add that a disc sander is also extremely useful, and preferred by some guys that make thier own toneboards. I am planning on making a dedicated, stand alone one myself, just have not got around to it.
Marl

[Mark at Bad Medicine Game Calls]

I've been doing some more research and I think that I will be getting this model from Grizzly http://www.grizzly.com/products/1-X-30-Belt-5-Disc-Sander/H6070 I like the idea of a disc sander along with the belt.  Plus for what the frame would cost me from lee valley I can get this sander.  My later down the road I will build my own with a slower speed motor but for now I think this sander will suit my needs just fine.  Thanks for all the help guys!!